Air Conditioning Equipment Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Air Conditioning Equipment Operator for its Energy Plant in Augusta, GA. In this role, you'll operate and maintain critical HVAC systems for a large medical facility, ensuring optimal performance and safety. This position requires strong mechanical skills, with responsibilities including equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and commitment to safety standards. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans by providing essential services in a well-supported environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement plan options

Paid time off and sick leave

Qualifications

• Evidence of training or experience in operating HVAC equipment is required.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of mechanical systems and duties related to boiler operation.
• Ability to perform repairs and preventative maintenance on HVAC equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operates and repairs gas/oil fired steam boilers and centrifugal water chillers.
• Maintains records and performs routine maintenance on heating and cooling systems.
• Responds to equipment trouble calls and conducts emergency repairs.

Skills

Equipment Assembly

Installation

Repair

Operation of Equipment

Job description

Assigned to the Energy Plant which is located in the Engineering Service at the Charles Norwood VAMC in Augusta GA. Serves as a journeyman Air Conditioning Equipment Operator performing tasks involved in the operation and maintenance of heating and cooling plant equipment serving a large medical center.

Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 20, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Major Duties

- Operates and does minor repairs on three gas/oil fired steam boilers, three boiler feedwater pumps, two condensate transfer pumps and associated equipment. Operates and does minor repairs on centrifugal water chillers, induced draft cooling towers, chilled water pumps, condenser water pumps, and associated equipment. Starts, stops and regulates the chillers, boilers, and associated equipment as load demands.

- Operates and makes repairs and adjustments on the medical center's centralized energy management system computer and field components. The computer system controls all functions of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and smoke control systems.

- Hourly records readings from instruments located on and/or adjacent to boilers and chillers. Some readings are used in the computation of make-up water, tonnage and steam flow; others used to recognize potential or current equipment problems.

- When he/she is assigned to the cooling plant, with two operators on duty, incumbent will respond to station trouble calls. Evaluates the problem and repair if ability and allotted time permits. If unable to repair, places telephone calls to appropriate trade mechanic and/or management officials.

- Daily analyzes and records results of tests on water samples and chemically treats boiler, chilled, and condenser water systems to maintain proper treatment levels.

- Performs routine scheduled preventative maintenance and maintains records of scheduled operations. The incumbent assists mechanics in the major repair of equipment or in the off-season overhaul or maintenance of equipment.

- Make repairs, such as replacing mechanical seals, bearings, valves, pipe fittings, and motors. Repairing insulation, repacking valves and piping is also required.

- Monitors and communicates with appropriate persons per medical center policy concerning station fire alarms, disaster notification and medical gas alarm systems.

- Performs monthly and annual boiler safety device testing as required by VHA Directive 2003-050. Testing procedures are in accordance with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Devices Testing Manual. These procedures require knowledge above are beyond normal plant operating practices.

- Performs other duties as assigned as they relate to the overall mission of the service and the work of the station.

Work Schedule: Rotating and/or permanent 12 or 8 hour shift work is required.
Position Description Title/PD#: Air Conditioning Equipment Operator/PD09969A and PD09969A
Physical Requirements: Regular walking tours of the plant to conduct inspections of equipment which include some lifting, kneeling, standing, climbing and stooping. Repairs occasionally require working in awkward and cramped positions and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions: Most work is done inside with occasional exposure to extreme outside temperature, chemicals used in water treatment, steam in excess of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and loud noise. Required to wear protective clothing or gear, such as rubber aprons, hard-toed boots, hearing protection, safety goggles, gloves or face shields, are required.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• Operation of Equipment/Machinery
• Without more than normal supervision

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.